What happens when a friend’s apple tree creates bushels and bushels of apples? We send friends, neighbors, and loved ones to harvest them. Then we get inside and figure out ways to store and use any we can’t eat immediately. This is one of them. Granny’s Apple Crunch freezes well and is another. Then there is sugar-free apple sauce. All delicious, quick and easy, and means plenty of lovely treats when you want or eat immediately (what happens in my household). You’ll love this—I made 3 quarts while drinking tea this morning. Good times ! 😛 It stores well for when you in the mood for something later later on. Enjoy!
Ingredients (Consider scaling—see notes below)
- 3 pounds medium apples (your favorite variety- I used a combination of Granny Smith and Gala)
- 1 cup coconut sugar
- 2 Tablespoons cinnamon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 Cup water
Instructions
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Peel, core, and slice the apples (I use an apple slicer for kitchen simplicity). Leave the skins on as that is where most nutrients are. Add to a slow cooker or stock pan, along with the remaining ingredients. Stir until combined.
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SLOW COOKER: Set the slow cooker to “low” for 10 hours, stirring once partway through to avoid burning
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STOVETOP: If using a stovetop stock pan bring to a boil then simmer until the apples are tender—about 20 minutes (This is what I do)
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Transfer to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until smooth. (I use a Vitamix but any food processor or strong blender will work as the apples are very tender)
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Store in airtight jars up to 3 weeks in the fridge or several months in the freezer.
- I don’t sterilize mine except using the heat dry temp on my dishwasher—use your comfort level but this is not a shelf stable recipe.
Notes and various serving ideas:
Scale it up if you have many devouring it (an in my home they do!) I used 3 pounds each of Granny Smith and Gala Apples plus double all the other ingredients. Follow the
- The above recipe makes around 20 to 24 ounces of apple butter, which I used to fill 1 mason jar.
- Ken (Brian’s uncle) goes through this like mad so consider scaling advices. Plus, Brian’s apple tree produces bushels of apples that are organic and lovely.
- SERVING IDEAS: Spread the apple butter on grain-free waffles, buckwheat/almond pancakes, “Squirrel Bread” (which is amazing) or any of the others—Ken’s favorite and so is Julie’s are Sunshine Carrot Muffins, or scoop onto a sweet potato, or over Alex’s Famous Vanilla Ice Cream, or into a bowl of plain coconut milk yogurt topped also with Nutolla. (the grain free option that is easily combined at home)
- You can put into whatever size jar you like.
- Store in the fridge for a few weeks, or the freezer for several months.
